Aprilia

Aprilia is Europe’s second largest producer of motorcycles and scooters and the only company offering a complete range on two wheels.

In just over 30 years, Aprilia has grown from a small company producing bicycles to become a reference point for the Italian and European motorcycle industry for the results obtained, production organisation, technological research, design and human resources management.

A success largely deriving from the great passion for motorcycles, determination and extraordinarily far-sighted business intuitions of the company’s President, Ivano Beggio.

Passion, enthusiasm and technology - these are the distinctive characteristics of Aprilia, a company which loves a challenge and always aims to win, both on the tracks and on the market.

Aprilia has always successfully interpreted and anticipated trends on the motorcycle market, producing innovative products able to satisfy the demands and expectations of two-wheeled transport users.

The company is based in Noale (VE) and has five factories (four in Italy and one in San Marino) and seven foreign branches (five in Europe, one in the USA and one in Brazil).

During 2000, total production amounted to about 240 thousand scooters and motorcycles with capacities of between 50 and 1000 cc.

Turnover in 2000 exceeded the 1,100 billion lira mark, 54% coming from abroad. The company currently has 1,750 employees, together with a further 3,500 jobs in the spin-off sectors.

Between 1985 (the first year of the company’s racing participation) and 2000, Aprilia won 15 World Speed Championship Titles (a further two World Trials Championship titles were won in 1992), with a total of 116 race wins (111 World Championship GP wins and five victories in the Superbike class where Aprilia made its debut in 1999).

The extraordinary results achieved in racing have kept pace with success on the market. In the last three years, sales have almost doubled and the high powered motorcycle sector (in which Aprilia has been represented with the RSV 1000 since 1998) is gaining ever more weight with respect to the scooter sector (which today accounts for 80% of sales).

The common denominator of all Aprilia products is the high technological and style content, together with use of the most advanced solutions to protect the environment.

In 2000, Aprilia’s more than ten years of experience on this front led to production of the Ditech engine (Direct Injection Technology) featuring an electronically controlled direct injection system. This reduces fuel and oil consumption by 30%, hydrocarbon emissions by 80% and carbon monoxide emissions by ten times. All without compromising on the brilliant performance and pleasure of a comfortable and efficient ride.

For Aprilia, 2000 was an important year. As well as consolidating its market shares, it also stepped into the limelight with acquisition of two historic names in Italian motorcycling - Moto Guzzi and Laverda. Enthusiastically promoted by Ivano Beggio, these take-overs are part of a plan which, focussing on the great tradition of Italian motorcycling, aims to create a centre of attraction able to take on the challenge of tracks and markets throughout the world with renewed energy.